With stretch run looming, Revolution “in extensive talks” to add to the roster

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – With sights set on a playoff push, New England Revolution head coach Jay Heaps revealed on Wednesday afternoon that the club is “in extensive talks” to add to its roster before the close of the Major League Soccer transfer window later this week.

The Revolution was afforded a bit of roster flexibility when the club mutually agreed to cancel the contract of midfielder Kalifa Cisse on Tuesday, and Heaps said the Revs are close to sealing a deal as they aim to strengthen the roster entering the stretch run.

“It’s one of those where we’ve talked, we’re close, but there are still a couple hurdles we have to get over,” said Heaps. “We’ve had conversations and we hope to nail something down.”

General Manager Michael Burns said prior to Sunday night’s meeting with Toronto FC that “there’s a good chance that something may happen” with regards to roster movement, but reiterated that no deals were done as of yet.

Any potential additions would supplement the impending return of Juan Agudelo, who is nearing full health after missing seven games with a right knee sprain. Agudelo spoke to the media after training on Wednesday and said he feels ready to make his long-awaited return, but Heaps noted that the final word on Agudelo’s availability ultimately falls to the club’s medical staff.

“It’s not his decision and it’s not my decision,” Heaps said. “We have a medical staff that’s looking out for the best interests of the player. He’s so close. He’s getting there, but we want to be patient and we want to be smart, because we need him for this stretch for the playoffs.”